Friday, August 13, 2004

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Hurricane Charley remains a strong category two hurricane with maximum sustained winds at 110 mph. It is likely to strenghten to a category three before it makes landfall around or south of the Tampa area. It is currently located 145 miles south of Sarasota, Florida at 25.2 north and 82.8 west.

A Hurricane watch is now in effect from Flagler Beach northward to the Savannah River near the Georgia, South Carolina border. This means hurricane conditions with winds over 74 mph are likely in this area within the next 36 hours.

Hurricane warnings are in effect for the Florida Keys and for the Florida west coast from East Cape Sable to the Seinhatchee River. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect from Cocoa Beach, Florida to Altamaha Sound, Georgia. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from Ocean Reef northward to south of Cocoa Beach and north of Altamaha Sound, Georgia.

Hurricane Charley is expected to show some signs of its presence as the sun begins to set. Our weather conditions will go down hill especially late tonight and tomorrow morning as the eye of the storm moves overhead and to our north. You can expect sustained winds between 30 and 40 mph with gust up to 75 mph. Heavy rain on an already soaked ground in some spots could set the stage for flood problems. Keep checking with us as we'll keep you updated and let you know what you can expect in your area once there is a better handle on the storm.